The proposal submitted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) proposed to cordon off the majority of the cove, a common and favorite cove hangout for many local boaters and visitors alike. However, in a letter penned by Evan Royce, Chairman of the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors to TriDam the proposal was reduced to cordon off only a small finger of the cove for non motorized boating and allowing the cove to remain as designated; a 5 mph zone.
The proposal cited a desire to protect native wildlife that exists in the area, naming specifically pond turtles, bald eagles and bat habitats.
While the letter states that Tuolumne County looks forward to enacting the non-motorized boat change, according to Susan Larson of Tri Dam the receipt of the letter does not enact a non-motorized boating nor enact a restriction, but "represents their opinion." Susan further stated that a request had been made by Tuolumne County that impact of law enforcement and boating safety be evaluated prior to enactment of any restrictions.
CM